Course Assignments and Weight

Assignment Format

All journals, essays, and preparation outlines in this class must be typed and submitted via BlackBoard. Your assignments should be typed using a 12-point, non-script font (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma). Your assignments should include a complete assignment header including your full name, date of submission, course, and section. 

*Assignments that don’t adhere to these expectations will receive point deductions.

Attendance/Participation 100pts

You can earn extra credit by showing up consistently and actively participating in class. To receive credit, you must attend the full class period and complete any in-class activities. Late arrivals may impact eligibility. If you know you will be absent or unable to participate, please communicate with your instructor as early as possible.

• 0 absences - 120pts
• 1 absence - 110pts
• 2 absences - 100pts 
• 3 absences - 80pts
• 4 absences - 60pts
• 5 absences - 40pts
• 6 absences 20pts
• 7 absences or more 0pts

Orientation/Journals/Discussions/Evaluations 150pts

Throughout the semester, you’ll complete short online activities designed to help you practice concepts and better understand course material.

Unit Exams/Quizzes 150pts

Expect to take 4 unit assessments/quizzes, which will consist of matching, multiple-choice, or true/false questions. If you need accommodation in testing through SAS will need to let me know ahead of time and take them within 48hrs of the regularly scheduled class day/time for each assessment/quiz.

Speeches 600pts

Expect that you’ll be required to give several speech presentations. Brief descriptions are provided below, additional details to be discussed and provided in class.

“College Life Hack” Group Informative Speech 175pts

For this group speech, you will work with classmates to research and present an informative presentation on a practical college life hack, which is a practical strategy, tool, or habit that helps college students manage time, reduce stress, improve organization, save money, or succeed academically more efficiently. Your group will select a topic from a provided list and teach the class a strategy that can realistically support student success. The goal of this assignment is to build collaborative presentation skills while sharing useful real-world information.

Requirements include:

• Group of 3-5 members
• Group full-sentence preparation outline with at least 5 credible sources printed and submitted on Blackboard
• Extemporaneous group delivery with complete oral citations of sources used
• Visual aid with at least 3 presentation slides
• Speaking time: 15-20 minutes total 
• Post-speech self-evaluation
• Peer evaluations
• Conduct a Question and Answer Session
• Present during designated speech presentation days/times in class

“Someone Oughta Do Something About…” Group Persuasive Speech 175pts

For this group speech, you will work with classmates to research and present a persuasive presentation to influence audience attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors using evidence-based arguments. You will select a topic that interests your group and is relevant to your audience in this class. Groups are expected to consider audience needs and support claims with credible academic sources. The goal of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to critically analyze a topic, develop a proposition with which you want your audience to agree, and employ effective techniques and strategies to persuade an audience.

Requirements include:

• Group of 3-5 members
• Group full-sentence preparation outline with at least 5 credible sources printed and submitted on Blackboard
• Organized according to Problem-Cause-Solution or Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
• Extemporaneous group delivery with complete oral citations of sources used
• Visual aid with at least 3 presentation slides
• Speaking time: 20-25 minutes total 
• Post-speech self-evaluation
• Peer evaluations
• Conduct a Question and Answer Session
• Present during designated speech presentation days/times in class

Choice Speech (Informative or Persuasive) 150pts

For this speech, you will choose to deliver either an informative or persuasive presentation on a topic of your choice. This assignment allows you to apply the skills you have developed throughout the semester and select a topic that aligns with your interests and communication goals. 

Requirements include:

• Full-sentence preparation outline with at least 3 credible sources printed and submitted on Blackboard
• Extemporaneous delivery with complete oral citations of sources used
• Speaking time: 5-7 minutes total 
• Post-speech self-evaluation
• Peer evaluations
• Conduct a Question and Answer Session
• Present during designated speech presentation days/times in class

“For _____’s A Jolly Good Fellow” Special Occasion Speech 100pts

Your final speech will be a special occasion speech in which you will give a Eulogy, Toast, or Award Presentation for a person who has made a significantly positive impact on society or on your own personal life. 

Requirements include:

• Manuscript of entire speech printed and submitted on Blackboard
• Manuscripted delivery 
• Speaking time: 2-5 minutes total 
• Present during designated speech presentation days/times in class

Grading Policy/Schema

If you have concerns regarding a grade given on an assignment, consider waiting 24 hours before contacting me. During that time, you are encouraged to please review the assignment and grading criteria, contemplate the feedback given on the work, and then contact me if you still have questions about the grade given on the assignment. Don’t wait too long, however. Grades are only open for discussion for a period of two weeks after the due date, whether you were present that day or not. Please track your points/grade throughout the semester.

Assignment Points Tracking Table

Communication In The Real World

Link: https://opened.tesu.edu/umncommunication/

This is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all textbook materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students may print copies of the resources but will be responsible for printing costs.

Course Calendar

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).”

Student Learning Outcomes

1.  Foundations of Human Communication

1.1.  Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.

1.2.  Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.

1.3.  Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.

1.4.  Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking methods to enhance competency.

1.5.  Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively.

1.6.  Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills.

1.7.  Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication.

1.8.  Examine the influence of using communication technologies on human interaction.

2.  Interpersonal Communication

2.1.  Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.

2.2.  Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.

3.  Small Group Communication

3.1.  Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.

4.  Public Speaking

4.1.  Develop, research, organize, and deliver an effective formal public speech.

COURSE POLICIES

Face-to-face Class

This class meets face-to-face (F2F), meaning we do meet at the time slot required for the class, so it is a traditional class. Participation is key. We will do class activities for engagement. Time management and study skills are required to be a successful student. Though this is a F2F course, I encourage students new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/ Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting some assignments, and collaboration. We will meet F2F in the classroom.

Attendance/Class Participation Policy

Class attendance is essential for student success; therefore, students are expected to attend all classes promptly and regularly. A record of attendance is maintained from the first day of classes and/or the first day the student’s name appears on the roster through to the end of the semester.

Students are responsible for communicating with their instructor during the course and completing any assignments or other activities as assigned for any class days missed.

Refer to ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION grading for details on point allocation for attendance and class participation.

Late Work/Missed Exams and Presentations Policy

It’s your responsibility to contact me to plan for a make-up or to plan to submit an assignment late. Be prepared to present documentation for your absence or reason for late assignment submission. In the event of a documented, excused absence requiring make-up, the make-up must be completed as I specify, which will be a reasonable and agreed upon timeframe. Assignments are late if they’re turned in after the specified due date and the specified due time. I’ll accept assignments no later than 1 week (7 calendar days) after the due date but I will not grade any late submitted assignments unless you communicate with me asking for approval within the allowable timeframe. Late assignment may incur late penalties depending on circumstances. In-class activities and speeches may not be accepted late, depending on circumstances. No assignments are accepted after the end of the last class meeting of the semester. If you do not email me, you will not be allowed to make up an assignment, presentation, or exam.

What is a valid, verifiable reason for missing a presentation or an exam?

• Your own serious illness, with the fact that you are too ill to attend validated by a doctor’s note. Colds, coughs, allergies, and being tired are NOT valid excuses.
• A death in the immediate family, with appropriate documentation.
• Your involvement in a car accident, with appropriate documentation.
• Your hospitalization, with appropriate documentation.

What is NOT a valid, verifiable reason for missing a presentation or an exam?

• Minor illness, such as allergies, recovery from minor infections and being tired are NOT valid excuses.
• Having assignments in other classes to catch up on or tests to take for other classes.
• Lack of preparation
• Schedule conflicts—you will know your presentation and exam dates well in advance, so you will be able to plan well in advance of the meeting.

Grading Feedback

My goal is to provide feedback in a timely manner so that you can improve your speaking abilities throughout the semester. Specifically, my goal is to give feedback to you within 7 days after the due date of the assignment. Because of how time intensive feedback may be, you may receive your grade but not full notations of feedback within this timeframe. If you ever want more detailed feedback, please feel free to let me know and I’ll be sure to provide and discuss with you if you like. Students have 7 days to contest a grade. Beyond 7 days from receiving a grade, the grade will not be changed.

Classroom Etiquette 

Please refrain from distracting behavior during your class session. Please do not use your cell phone, smoke, or vape cigarettes, or eat a massive meal unless permission is granted by the instructor. You are responsible for making sure distractions are minimized by silencing your phones and not playing music in the background. Try to be on time for class. However, I understand that we all have surprises and interruptions that cause us to run late; therefore, I would rather you come to class late than not come at all. If someone is in the middle of a presentation, please wait until the presentation is finished, and then come into the classroom. If your behavior is a distraction to the class or instructor, the instructor reserves the right to remove you from the class session for the day.

Online Classroom Netiquette

Since this class will utilize online discussion boards, assignment submissions, and emails, the below expectations will be enforced for everyone’s online presence.

• Treat each other with respect. Take the time to read and respond to each other in such a way that a learning environment can continue to develop. Format your post so that everyone can learn from your knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Be encouraging. Not everyone may be familiar with the discussion board format; be wary of making any assumptions about computer/internet literacy. Provide encouragement for creative and critical conversation.
• Be considerate. Even a well-presented and structured course may create some confusion. It is very easy to lose your place or miss reading information on certain links or pages.
• Be open to differences. We all have had different life experiences. Be aware that your written word is the only form of communication in an asynchronous learning environment. Use your words carefully. Ask yourself if your comment could possibly be interpreted as insulting, disrespectful, discriminating, mocking, or rude. How would you feel if this comment were directed toward you?
• “SHOUTING” online should be avoided.  Using all capital letters when communicating in an online environment is known as shouting. This usage is considered a rude method of communicating. Avoid using all capital letters in your online communications.
• Write a brief and concise description of the content of your e-mail in the subject line. 
• Always proofread your writing. Remember to use spell check and proper grammar.
• Begin your e-mail by stating the name of the receiver. Finish your e-mail by typing your and the course name.  
• Keep it brief. You need to plan what you want to communicate and express it in the most concise way possible.
• All assignments, discussion posts, and quizzes should be completed within Blackboard.

Scholastic Integrity

The use of AI-generated text in any assignment is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of any tool or software that generates text or assists with writing, such as a text generator or language model. All submitted work must be the original writing of the student and must adhere to academic honesty guidelines. Any assignment found to have used AI-generated text or plagiarized will be subject to academic consequences.

The Communication Studies department requires students to use their own authentic voices and to hone their critical thinking and research skills via our courses and assignments. Our instructors expect that all work is the product of students’ own critical thought and engagement. While specific policies regarding instructional and/or generative AI technology are created by individual professors for their course(s), if AI is used, there must be clear documentation in submitted assignments in an appropriate manner (e.g., source citation). We also acknowledge that AI technology has inherent bias and inaccuracies. Each student is responsible for carefully analyzing the validity and accuracy of work presented. Students should note that sources and information generated by AI should be carefully evaluated and fact-checked, as AI are prone to hallucinations or generating false information. This resource has more information on how to cite the use of ChatGPT in APA. Any student using AI is responsible for any potential negative consequences on their course or assignment grades that could result from having incorporated any inaccurate, biased, or plagiarized content from AI generated technology.

ACC’s General Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. You do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should you feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.” Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information.

Instructor Withdrawal Policy

The instructor in general will not withdraw students. At the end of the semester, if you have not contacted the instructor, and have just stopped coming to class, you will receive an F in the course. As a reminder, if you never attend class before Attendance Certification is due, you will be automatically withdrawn by the college.

Incomplete Policy Statement

You may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if circumstances warrant.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date established by the college which is usually the subsequent semester, however faculty need to check the ACC calendar due to Covid changes.

The department supports incompletes if a student has been an engaged student and encountered difficult circumstances preventing them from completing the course.

Recommended standard: A student must have completed a minimum of 75% of the semester’s work and maintained a “C” average or higher for you to consider awarding an “incomplete.”

Course Evaluations

All course evaluations will be completed online.  Students may access the course evaluation when released by the college in the “Tools” section of their Bb course. Please encourage students to provide feedback on positive experiences in the classroom and any constructive feedback that would improve the experience for future students.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.